A new National Survey by Go RVing Canada shows that 64% of adults used to be more adventurous as children, but sadly that gets lost as the responsibilities of adulthood creep in. Many of our favourite childhood memories don’t involve a jam-packed schedule, the most shiny plastic toy or even hours upon hours of playing video games. Instead we remember the exploration, adventure, curiosity, kinship and freedom we knew as children The RV lifestyle helps adults to bring back those childhood adventures and to connect and share with their own children in exciting new ways.

The RV lifestyle is not something you need to save for retirement. Two thirds of all RVs are owned by people who are under the age of 55. And 90% of those owners say it’s the best way to travel with kids. In fact it’s a great idea for families and for multi-generational vacations.

RVing is certainly known for campfires, swims in the lake and walks in the woods, but today it is so much more than that. It can be a fun way to hit the summer music festival circuit or do a family trip to the Maritimes. Even wine tours and foodie experiences are being integrated into the RV lifestyle.

There are more than 1 million RVs on the road today and 14% of Canadian households actually own an RV - that’s more than the number of Canadians who own a cottage or go skiing in Canada. Studies show that an RV vacation is up to 78% cheaper than a regular vacation and there is an RV to suit any family and budget. Towables can start at $6,000 and go all the way to $200,000 depending on what type of model you are looking for.

We are blessed with many amazing places to take an RV in Canada. There are two types of campgrounds: national parks; and privately owned campgrounds. While some are rustic, others provide full-service hook-ups and amenities. Nowadays many campsites are becoming more like resorts with waterslides, sports, beaches, horseback riding and various other activities.

Here are just a few of the great RV adventures awaiting you in Canada. It’s easy to rent or buy an RV – so what are you waiting for?

Moraine Lake, Alberta - Once printed on the back of the Canadian twenty dollar bill, it is often referred to as the “Twenty Dollar View” – but it’s more like a million dollar view.

Gaspé, Quebec - Recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of “Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime”, Gaspé gives you the opportunity to discover four national parks. Famous Percé Rock summits over 1000 metres and is one of the most beautiful bays in the world

Flowerpot and Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick - The Flowerpot and Hopewell Rocks are one of the most serene natural wonders of Canada. If you’ve never been blessed with that awe-inspiring feeling that large landscapes can give you, you need to RV here

The Grotto and Tobermory, Ontario - Tobermory, a quaint little town at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, boasts a must-see, “The Grotto.” Carved out by the waves of Georgian Bay over thousands of years, it’s a pristine setting; there are no signs, lights, stairs or handrails here.

Some people think that you need a special license to drive an RV, or that they are hard to drive. Think again! Canadians just need a regular driver’s license to drive almost all RVs, and modern RVs come with a lot of features that make them easier to drive. For instance, in a motorized vehicle, you have not only back-up cameras but you also have side cameras too. Plus dealerships will do a driving tutorial for anyone looking to rent or purchase an RV.

For first time RVers, www.gorving.ca is a great resource when thinking about getting into RVing. If you’re not sure where to start, you can check out the blog, read some of the latest articles and watch videos. When planning your RV trip, there is everything from beginner “how-to” videos to information on various models to recipes for the road. Plus there is a trip planner tool on the site. You simply enter in the location you’re traveling to and the trip planner maps out campgrounds, RV dealers and popular RV destinations along your route.

There are two main types of RV to choose between - a motorized RV and a travel trailer. But both types of RVs can provide all the comforts of home with conveniences like kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, beds, etc.

If the journey itself is more of the appeal then a motorized might have more of what you’re looking for. Your vacation begins the moment you pull out of your driveway, as passengers can enjoy the comfort and activities in the RV while it’s moving. They can watch the TVs, play cards at the table, or reach into the refrigerator. As long as there are enough seatbelts for every passenger you can enjoy the amenities even in transit.

If you plan to park in one place for longer periods of time you may find a travel trailer or towable model more suitable. A towable or travel trailer allows you to drive your own vehicle, which you’re already familiar and comfortable with. It also means that you have your family vehicle at the campsite when you want to go to the store or head out for excursions. Whereas with a motorized RV you would have to unhook it each time you want to go anywhere.

Your RV is self-contained for about 2-3 days depending on the size of your tanks and generator, but if you are going to be parking at a campground you can take advantage of the hook-ups right on-site. For first-time drivers, you can request a “pull-through” campsite which means you don’t have to back your RV up when leaving the campground. This is helpful while still getting used to an RV. There are three main hook-ups for your RV – Water, Electrical, Sewage. You want to ensure you are booking a full service site in order to utilize all of the amenities such as air conditioning, bathrooms, etc.

You can check out more tips on packing and other RV 101 advice at www.GoRVing.ca.

Chris’ Travel Notes

Want to know more about the destination? Check out Chris' Travel Notes!

Chris writes extensive Travel Notes for each show that will help you plan your next trip. Find out more about the Destination; Climate; Getting Around; Accommodation; Kids to Seniors; History; Sports and Activities; Attractions; Culture; Cuisine; Special Deals and where to go to get even more information!

Click on the Travel Notes icon to download a pdf file that you can read, print out and even take with you on your travels!